TDI TOXIC Hazard

Try bringing something to the table, besides an attitude, eh? If you’re here to learn something about surfboard building, welcome.

I try to not post negative stuff, but I’m going to on this one.

Look at his other post and you’ll see he’s a beginner.
https://www.swaylocks.com/forums/shapingglassing
Really messing things up with the wrong planer. I’m guessing he’s thinking using wood instead of foam is easier. That will be even worse mess.
gbzausa and Mako224, we tried, but can’t help people that already know it all.

“Try bringing something to the table, besides an attitude, eh? If you’re here to learn something about surfboard building, welcome.”
No, wholly unfair and on its head. Read my posts, nothing but openness and question asking, at no point stating I know just about ANYTHING whatsoever. No attitude neither.
Funny, I get more replies when I grow some attitude which, reading around the forum some more, I see is the only way any real discussion gets going so I tried it, and it worked. Look at the replies. haha. What a joke. Yeah, I have an attitude now, but I didn’t arrive with one. You (plural, not you personally) dragged it out of me kicking and screaming, to the point I had already decided I am outta here, way too much attitude and self-righteousness for me, thanks all the same.

“gbzausa and Mako224, we tried, but can’t help people that already know it all.” - Again, lets just take a look at what you said and analyse it fairly and accurately…

So gbzusa “tried” did he? Check the thread from start to finish dude. TWO posts from gbzusa, BOTh read “here we go again”. tell me something, how has he “tried”? What exactly has he “tried” to achieve with those two identical posts, other than pissing me off, offering no help, making a slur on me for opening a discussion he has heard before (but newsflash, I haven’t). his posts were clearly and obviously designed for the attention of everyone BUT me, the OP, the one asking the question he is “answering”. There is only ONE person his two posts on this thread could possibly NOT help, that’s me. Yet you claim he “tried”?
It’s like a hen house of bitchy little egg laying clucking feather fluffing pricks. I was only bothered by gbzusa’s childish little gybes, but since you jump into the old roost with him even when he has clearly only played a game of wind up the new guy asking innocent and humble questions of the many experienced (and many decent too) folk i here, you can easily be tarred with the same brush as far as I am concerned. Nice little flourish to the end of your mini-bullying post, “can’t help people that already know it all”. Care to qualify that? Where did I claim, or even come across as if I know it all? Why would someone who knows it all, ask questions? Explain that to me genius, if you can. No, you’re wrong, I didn’t, but it’s so much easier on the low-skilled mind to just jump behind the biggest bully, than to actually exercise fairness, accuracy and impartiality.
That’s my argument, take it or leave it. I can’t say I care which. I am long gone anyway, but just so you don’t get to throw mud at me which goes unanswered, there ya go.
Enjoy yourselves, you’re clearly a tight bunch and too tight for any new blood, hence the reason the forum appears dead and the only activity bursts into life either when someone bullies the shit out of some new guy (sometimes deservingly from what I have read, but sometimes not too) or when someone takes offence and stands up to a pathetic little moron like gbzusa and his childish little digs to wind someone up. Well you succeeded gbz, well done. Glad that I (and others) now understand your motives for posting, self-aggrandisement, bullying, self-righteousness and “heard it all before” expressions of superiority and boredom. As I said already, if a thread bores you, you have the right to feck off and not take part. But you just can’t do that can you? Can’t have a conversation going on without your little bit of utterly useless but ill-motivated shite thrown in can you? Hence the reason I am sure you crawled out of the abortion bucket and probably have to check the mirror five times a day to see how beautiful you are. Get a grip dickwart. You’re a cuntt of the highest order, and I bet you’re a lonely one too. Ha ha. Hope you get the same response next time you bait someone asking well-intentioned questions of some of the experienced folks on here, if anyone ever does again. The way it’s looking, that seems unlikely, and you will probably sit fidgeting until the day someone new turns up again to brighten your day and give you a new target for your arrogant BS.
Plenty other forums out there, I should have followed my gut when I read the many posts I first read on here, loads of fantastically useful and insightful information I must admit, but sadly interspersed with occasional but regular gybes from insecure little armchair egg-spurts like you. Smile, you won, one less forum member.
To all others who have been extremely helpful to me in my short-lived membership, THANK YOU. I have certainly learned quite a lot while here, but I don’t suffer fools easily and I can get the information with far less baggage and attitude attached elsewhere.

You rejected all the advice given. You are like others who won’t listen to advice. Maybe it would be better for you to leave or stop asking for help.

Shapaholic…Is that you??? Has the maker of the Magic Turd returned?

Wow is that rant Toxic !

That’s whats got me thinking its Shapa returning to troll.

I tried not to comment. But to be fair, I will.
First JS is way too coherent and writes too well to be Shapaholic. That is obvious.
Granted, this topic is/has been a dead mule at Sways.
JS first asked a few simple/harmless questions.
MS and SC repsonded initially with reasonable and innocuous comments.
Beyond that, the others were a bit snarky.
No further comment was/is needed, from all parties.
Leave it alone and the thread will (would have) die(d).
Anything more is flaming and perhaps trolling – by all.
And to keep things honest, I have not seen anything that would suggest tehcnology development that is any more eco-friendly than pu, eps, pe, epoxy etc.
Agave contains oxalate crystals.
Balsa is about as sustainable as it is going to get for now.

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Hey my brother - There seems to be some amazing inroads into eco board options. Fully plant based agave blanks by Grow Blanks Kenya, Balsa blanks out of Indo and Polyola blanks from Europe.
I’m a huge fan though of agave as there is so many more attributes it has over foam and if there is a company doing all the hard work- why not !?

Not to rain on your parade, but agave contains oxalic acid — considered a biohazard and/or toxic.

Oxalic acid binds blood calcium and can cause kidney damage.
And yeah, I am a retired professional scientist with 40 years of experience.
I also studied medical science at UT Southwestern for 2.3 years as a medical student.

Just sayin’

“ * Oxalic Acid and Agave Dermatitis:

The sap of agave plants, including species like Agave salmiana and Agave americana, contains oxalic acid crystals. These crystals can embed themselves in the skin, leading to an irritant contact dermatitis reaction known as “agave dermatitis”.

  • Symptoms:

Agave dermatitis typically causes symptoms like redness, itching, and the formation of blisters or welts. In severe cases, systemic symptoms like acidosis, vascular damage, and even renal issues can occur.

  • Toxicity:

While agave plants are not inherently toxic to humans in the sense of being a direct poison, the oxalic acid and other irritants present in their sap can cause adverse reactions upon contact with the skin.

  • Prevention:

If working with agave, wearing gloves and taking care to avoid skin contact with the sap is recommended to prevent irritation.

  • Treatment:

In the event of agave dermatitis, washing the affected area with soap and water is a good first step. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable, especially for severe reactions.

  • Other Irritants

In addition to oxalic acid, agave sap can contain other irritants, such as saponins and steroidal glycosides.

  • Note:

Agave dermatitis is a common occupational hazard for people working in agave plantations and distilleries.”

Hi would really like to get more information on this if you don’t mind ?
This comes up quite often and have never got more that its just a mild skin irritant.

Im based on the world largest sisal agave farm that has been processing fibre for ages. Workers use waterproof protection but still there has never been any long term reported problem other than mild skin irritation or itching from the wet plant.

I have personally cut tens of thousands wet agave poles over the last 5 years. Yes I would agree there is a skin irritation and itching from the wet sap but this does not last long.

Eager to find out more if you don’t mind as this is my field of work.

Thank you
Dan

Old beat to death thread. All these years since this debate/argument was started by the Orignal Poster and more Poly blanks are being shaped than ever. The danger is in the pouring of liquid TDI into the mold and its “ gas off” while it is in the mold and shortly thereafter. Precautions can be taken to limit exposure… It cost U S Blanks a pretty Penney for those “scrubbers” and other equipment to meet California Air
Resources and OSHA law. The only thing debatable is whether or not most of those restrictions were even necessary. I will not debate further. The OP’s opening salvo got my dander up back then and still does. Not a good idea to over indulge on any inert dust and not necessary. That’s what dust masks, respirators and safety glasses are for.

“* * Agave americana (Century Plant): This species is known to contain calcium oxalate crystals and sap oils that can cause skin irritation.

  • Agave tequilana (Blue Agave): While used to make tequila, the sap of this plant can still cause skin irritation.
  • Other Agave Species: Many other agave species also contain toxic compounds, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks when handling or being around agave plants.”

My take on the dermatitis is that it is in large part due to the crystal’s shape (this would be more of an issue with dried sap). There has to be sap in the “poles” for it to be transported to the leaves, etc.
A dried pole would contain dry sap, that is, crystals.
Kidney damage would result from ingestion of a critical amount, either acute or chronic.
Tequila is the product of distillation. Distillation is about separating liquids (alcohol) from the solid components (e. g. Oxalic acid).
Regarding syrup, I don’t know the process used to manufacture it. But I cannot imagine that there are high concentrations of oxalic acid in it.
Google AI gives a reasonable summary.
Oxalic acid is toxic due to its corrosive and chelating properties, causing burns, nausea, gastroenteritis, vomiting, shock, and convulsions, especially when ingested. It can also lead to kidney damage and the formation of calcium oxalate stones.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Toxicity and Effects:

  • Corrosive:

Oxalic acid is highly corrosive to tissues, causing burns and irritation on skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract.

  • Chelating Agent:

Oxalic acid binds to calcium, forming calcium oxalate, which can precipitate in the kidneys and brain, leading to kidney damage.

  • Ingestion Toxicity:

    • Immediate Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chest pain, drooling, and mouth pain.

    • Serious Symptoms: Shock, seizures, tremors, collapse, and even death.

  • Inhalation Toxicity:

Inhaling oxalic acid vapor or dust can cause severe respiratory tract irritation, burns, and other symptoms like nervousness, headaches, and nosebleeds.

Specific Concerns:

  • Kidney Damage:

The formation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys can lead to kidney failure and damage.

  • Renal Failure:

Ingestion of ethylene glycol, which metabolizes to oxalic acid, can also cause acute kidney failure.

Safety Precautions:

  • Always wear protective equipment: Use impermeable gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and respirators when handling oxalic acid.

  • Avoid inhalation: Do not allow oxalic acid vapor or dust to be inhaled.

  • Handle with care: Treat oxalic acid as a corrosive and toxic substance.

  • Seek immediate medical attention: If you suspect an oxalic acid poisoning, seek immediate medical attention and call Poison Control.”
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Agave plants contain toxic compounds, including calcium oxalate crystals and sap oils, that can cause skin irritation and potentially more serious health issues if ingested or if the sap comes into contact with eyes.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  • Calcium Oxalate Crystals (Raphides):

These microscopic, needle-like crystals are present in the leaves and sap of many agave species. They can cause a painful, irritating sensation when they come into contact with the skin or eyes.

  • Sap Oils:

The sap of agave plants contains irritating oils that can cause skin reactions, including redness, swelling, and blisters.

  • Steroidal Saponins:

Some agave species contain steroidal saponins, which are compounds that can cause inflammation and irritation.

  • Potential Health Risks:

    • Irritant Contact Dermatitis (Agave Dermatitis): Exposure to agave sap can cause a skin condition known as irritant contact dermatitis, characterized by redness, itching, and blistering.
    • Conjunctivitis: In some cases, exposure to agave sap can cause conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye).
    • Ingestion Risks: While some agave species are used for food and beverages (like tequila), others are not safe for consumption and can cause gastrointestinal upset or other health problems.
  • Specific Agave Species:

    • Agave americana (Century Plant): This species is known to contain calcium oxalate crystals and sap oils that can cause skin irritation.
    • Agave tequilana (Blue Agave): While used to make tequila, the sap of this plant can still cause skin irritation.
    • Other Agave Species: Many other agave species also contain toxic compounds, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks when handling or being around agave plants.
  • Safety Precautions:

    • Avoid Contact: If possible, avoid direct contact with agave sap and leaves.
    • Wash Hands: If you do come into contact with agave sap, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
    • Eye Protection: If you are working with agave plants, wear eye protection to prevent the sap from getting into your eyes.
    • Seek Medical Attention: If you experience any adverse reactions from contact with agave, seek medical attention.
    • Be Aware of Pets and Children: Keep agave plants out of reach of pets and children, as they may be tempted to chew on the leaves or come into contact with the sap.”